Rhine Christmas Market River Cruise including Strasbourg

Upon arrival in Frankfurt, we will be met by our local guide who will assist us in the transfer to Strasbourg port with a guided Frankfurt city tour en-route.

In the afternoon we will arrive in Strasbourg, and we will be transferred to our ship with assistance. Settle into your cabin and explore the range of facilities on board your ship has to offer as we are docked overnight in Strasbourg. Sit back with a welcome cocktail in one of the lounge areas, followed by a tasty welcome festive dinner.

This morning you will have some free time to explore Strasbourg at your own pace or take an optional excursion to Alsace and Obernai offered by Lueftner Cruises in the morning (payable locally).

In the afternoon join us for a festive guided tour of Strasbourg where we will explore this beautiful town with its impressive spire and medieval astronomical clock. Afterwards we ill have an opportunity to visit one of the most famous Christmas markets before returning to the ship as we set sail to Speyer.

This morning, we will arrive into Speyer, after breakfast we will be taken on an included excursion to Heidelberg. Heidelberg is a world famous university city on the Neckar River. The town is one of the few German cities with a widely preserved baroque Old Town. The tour through Heidelberg begins with a visit to the Castle. The formerly splendid residence made of red sandstone is now in ruins. However, it is arguably the most beautiful ruin in all of Germany. The castle tour leads into the castle garden. From the Grand Terrace you will have a wonderful view of the city and the Neckar River. The tour continues with a stroll through the enchanting old town, to the Karl-Theodor Bridge, the late-gothic Church of the Holy Spirit and the town hall.

This afternoon, we will return to Speyer enjoy some free time in one of Germany's oldest cities which is located along the banks of the Rhine, in the Rhineland-Palatinate state of southwest Germany. The 11th century Imperial Cathedral of Speyer is one of Germany's largest and most important. Its crypt contains the tombs of eight German emperors and kings as well as several bishops. Speyer was also a centre for Jewish scholarship in the medieval period.

Today we will wake up in the romantic town of Rüdesheim, surrounded by gentle sloping vineyards and famous for its local wine, brandy and specialty coffee (careful - the local coffee and brandy are married in the "Rüdesheimer Kaffee" concoction!). After we have had time to enjoy our visit at our own pace, our ship leaves the harbour at mid-day, just in time to enjoy a fabulous lunch on board and savour the first-class culinary delights.

Later in the day we will arrive in Koblenz where we will enjoy an included guided walking tour of the city. Koblenz is one of the most beautiful and oldest towns in Germany, with over 2,000 years of history. On the guided walk through the romantic streets between the St. Castor Basilica and the Liebfrauenkirche (the Church of our Beloved Lady) we will discover the most important sights of Koblenz. This tour would not be complete without a visit to the Emperor Wilhelm Memorial at the famous German Corner and the town’s landmark, the Schängel Fountain at the Town Hall. At the end of the walk you will reach the confluence of the Moselle and Rhine rivers and the ropeway of Koblenz.

This evening we will enjoy a festive Captain's Gala Dinner on board.

It is time to say goodbye after a week of delights aboard the Amadeus ship. After breakfast, you will meet with your local guide and be transferred to Cologne city centre for a guided tour prior to continuing your journey to Dusseldorf airport for your flight home. (Luggage will be stored in coach)